Dyslexia · 1st–2nd Grade
Dyslexia in 1st & 2nd Grade
First and second grade are when children shift from learning letters to reading words. When decoding isn't clicking, an evaluation can pinpoint why — before frustration sets in.
Serving Long Island & Queens, NY
WHEN TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY
Common signs in 1st and 2nd grade
- •Struggles to sound out (decode) unfamiliar words
- •Guesses at words from the first letter or the picture
- •Reads slowly and effortfully, word by word
- •Frequent spelling errors — spells the same word different ways
- •Confuses similar words like was/saw or on/no
- •Avoids reading aloud, or says reading is “too hard”
If reading feels harder for your child than for classmates despite good instruction, it’s worth understanding why.
Why this stage matters
This is when reading should be clicking into place
By first and second grade, most children move from sounding out letters to reading words smoothly. When that shift isn't happening, an evaluation can identify what's getting in the way — before reading gaps start to affect confidence and every other subject.
More than a reading test
What a dyslexia evaluation looks at
A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond reading scores
The question isn’t simply whether your child is struggling. A comprehensive evaluation looks at why — examining reading development alongside the language, attention, memory, and learning processes that may be contributing.
The goal is to understand your child’s individual learning profile and determine what support, if any, would be most helpful.
Every evaluation is individualized based on your child’s history, concerns, and profile — never a one-size-fits-all package.
The process
How the evaluation works
Consultation
We discuss concerns, history, and the questions you want answered.
Records review
We review school reports, records, and previous testing.
Testing
Two to three in-person testing sessions, about two hours each.
Interpretation
Dr. Duhning integrates and synthesizes the data.
Report
We meet virtually to review the findings, recommendations, and written report.
Roadmap
You leave knowing what your child needs and what to do next.
Questions, Answered
FAQs
Is it normal for first and second graders to still sound out every word?
Some sounding out is expected early on. The concern is when reading stays slow and effortful, your child guesses from the first letter or picture, or progress lags behind classmates despite good instruction and practice.
What are signs of dyslexia in 1st and 2nd grade?
Common signs include struggling to decode unfamiliar words, guessing from the first letter, reading word-by-word, frequent spelling errors, confusing similar words (was/saw), and avoiding reading aloud.
My child is bright — could they still have dyslexia?
Yes. Many children with dyslexia are intelligent and capable in other areas. They often compensate by memorizing, using context, or working much harder than peers — which can hide the difficulty until reading demands increase.
Should we wait and see if reading improves with more practice?
Extra practice helps when the right skills are targeted. If reading remains hard despite good instruction and tutoring, more of the same may not fix the problem. An evaluation clarifies what’s getting in the way.
What does an evaluation include at this age?
Testing typically includes reading and decoding, phonological processing, sight-word reading, fluency, spelling, language, memory, attention, and related skills — tailored to your child’s age and concerns.
Will this help with school supports?
Yes. The evaluation provides clear documentation and recommendations that can support discussions about intervention, accommodations, and next steps at school.
How is this different from school testing?
School evaluations focus on eligibility for services. A private neuropsychological evaluation focuses on understanding why reading is hard and what will actually help — with a detailed report and practical roadmap.
Is reading harder than it should be?
Let’s talk through what you’re seeing and whether an evaluation is the right next step.
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